British Popular Culture, 1950-2025: The Story of Our Generation

Overview

This dynamic, multi-media day school will explore the evolution of popular culture from the 1950s to the present day. We will examine popular culture across a range of media, including film, television, music, art, advertising, photography and social media. 

Popular culture is an integral part of our daily lives, and it often reflects and shapes our societal values and beliefs. From music and film to literature and social media, popular culture has undergone significant changes over the past seven decades in the UK, and we will explore these changes during this day school. We will examine the major cultural, political and social events that have influenced popular culture and how it has shaped our understanding of the world around us.

The day will be ideal for anyone interested in the evolution of the cultural landscape of the past 75 years, and will require no prior expertise in the area. The six themed lectures will focus on the Fifties, Sixties, Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and Noughties and beyond, examining the significant historical, cultural and news moments of each decade. From the rise of television to the advent of social media, this event will provide a comprehensive understanding of the many ways in which popular culture has shaped, and has been shaped, by the changing world around us. 

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 8 January 2024.

Programme details

9.45am    
Registration at Rewley House reception (in-person attendees only)

10am     
The 50s into the 60s 
Paul Clark and David Morgan 

11.15am    
Tea/coffee break

11.45am   
The 70s into the 80s 
David Morgan  

1pm     
Lunch break

2pm
The 80s into the Noughties 
Paul Clark 

3.15pm    
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm   
Today and tomorrow 
Paul Clark and David Morgan  

5pm     
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £110.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30
Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr David Morgan

Speaker

David Morgan has taught art and architectural history for the Department since 2004. He has also taught courses for Birkbeck College, University of London, and for the WEA. His recent publications have centred upon the history of British visual satire.

Mr Paul Clark

Speaker

Paul Clark is a writer/director/producer, best known for work including sketches and songs for Spitting Image and Rory Bremner. Other programmes include the 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches, 30 Greatest Political Comedies and Becoming The Beatles. He gained a Degree by Independent Study that looked at satirical comedy. He is currently working on a nordic noir-inspired thriller series and chapters for two new books on satire and Scandinavian drama.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this event. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.